City and county finances are in what my late Uncle Joe would have called a "mell of a hess". The articulate Ms. Leticia Perez Garzoria challenged the city commission recently: "We can do better. We need to get creative." Ms. Garzonia was likely referring to the 2.9 million deficit announced by Pete Gonzalez, City Finance Director. The county is not faring much better with reduced bridge tolls and other factors creating a 3 million dollar shortfall. Judge Cascos has called for a 10% reduction in salaries across the board among other initiatives.
Trying to think creatively as Ms. Garzoria suggests caused my mind to wander to the San Benito County Annex Building named prematurely for two undistinguished county clerks, Aurora de la Garza and Joe Rivera. Not only did the fancy lettering outside cost the county, but the portraits of the two clerks cost $2,500. Does this seem ass-backwards to anyone else? Shouldn't clerks have to PAY to have buildings named after them? Could the naming of buildings, departments, streets and sports parks being put out for bid help alleviate city and county budget deficits?
Sports stadiums around the country have taken advantage of selling the naming rights for considerable sums: U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, Minute Maid Park, Quicken Loans Arena, American Airlines Arena, etc. Why can't local politicians who wish to be honored by having their names immortalized on our buildings, streets and departments pay for those naming rights? Certainly our local politicos understand the concept of rewarding the highest bidder.
Potential naming rights may include, but are not limited to the following:
Ernie L. Hernandez Human Resources Department
Robert Lopez Standardized Employment Test
Pat Ahumada Debate and Town Forum Center
Mark Sossi Public Comment Interlude Background Music
Charlie Atkinson Olmito Volleyball Courts
Ricardo Longoria Fire Station
Rose Gowen "Biggest Loser" Municipal Golf Course
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